Hunters

Hunters and Kokomos announce partnership

The SP PNG Hunters are unique to the QRL and have relocated to Queensland to compete in the Hostplus Cup competition.

In their response, the Hunters and Kokomos have formalized a development partnership that will see Kokomo players train with the Hunters playing squad in 2022.

Hunters Regroup Against Falcons

SP PNG Hunters coach Matt Church said his players had drawn a “line in the sand” to start stage two of the Intrust Super Cup season with tomorrow’s away clash with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The competition will return after two weekends without football due to the mid-season bye followed by last week’s COVID-19 lockdown, which enabled players an extra week’s rest before eight consecutive weeks of matches.

Hunters Hope To Regain Spark Against Bears

Benji Kot has been suspended on a high-tackle charge and will miss the match against the seventh placed Bears, who won a memorable Kokoda Cup showdown at Pizzey Park on Anzac Day this year.

That match typified the spirit in the PNG-Burleigh clashes, which have taken on an extra spice this year with the teams both located on the Gold Coast, where the Hunters are playing out this season because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Hunters lose to Magpies

It was a very tough week for Coach Matt Church leading up to Sunday's clash, which was impacted by injuries and suspension.

While the Magpies fielded the likes of NRL players Tom Dearden, Tesi Niu and Cory Paix alongside veteran Karmichael Hunt, the Hunters named their only available men to complete the team but they still looked a serious threat midway through the second half when centre Jokadi Bire surged through a gap to close the deficit to 10 points. 

Moramoro joins Hunters management

Mr Moramoro will be tasked with driving commercial opportunities for the Hunters, including identifying new revenue streams while tapping into his passion for rugby league and the broad PNG corporate network. He arrives at the Hunters with vast management and commercial experience across multiple industries in both PNG and Australia with a successful record in maximising branding and sales growth.

Hunters General Manager Scott Barker said Mr Moramoro’s range of skills would help further the Hunters’ strong links with their loyal sponsors, partners and supporters.

Hunters’ drama-filled finish

The Hunters controversially had three players sent to the sin-bin in the final nine minutes and second-rower Benji Kot sent off in the 57th minute after losing another to the bin for 10 minutes earlier in the half.

The first to be banished was centre Brandon Nima, along with the Tigers’ Sam Lavea, in the 43rd minute.

Only four minutes after the pair returned to the field Kelly was dismissed for lifting in a three-man tackle with the Tigers leading 24-12.

Already down to 12 men, forward Samuel Yegip was binned for a tackle in the 73rd minute.

Teen Handed Playmaker Role

Young Rimbu has played 4 games off the interchange bench this season will replace experienced playmaker Watson Boas whi has returned to England to complete his contract with the Doncaster club. 

Boas replacement is one of two forced changes in the Hunters lineup for the Rd 6 clash against Tigers at Bycroft oval.

Energetic untility forward Edwin Ipape will return in Round 8 from a two games suspension collected in the Hunters 25-18 Kokoda cup loss to Burleigh Bears.

Puara looks to claim history

Puara has been named in the Hunters’ team to play for the Kokoda Cup – which is up for grabs each year when PNG and the Bears meet in late April.

This match falls on Anzac Day and the Hunters hope that is enough time for Puara to recover from an ankle injury suffered in last Saturday’s impressive 32-12 win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

If Puara can recover, the foundation Hunters player will break the team’s Intrust Super Cup games record by recording his 115th appearance – one more than 2017 premiership teammate Adex Wera.

Lae police commends community

Lae’s Metropolitan Superintendent Commander, Anthony Wagambi, said Lae has had a bad  reputation however this time around, he said they managed to carry out the operations without any violence erupting.

The double header rugby league game was held peacefully in Lae on Sunday, with police and PNGDF personnel deployed all around the venue and also inside.

Drunks and would be trouble makers were prevented from entering the area, whilst gate crashers were kept at bay.

Albert to play in Hunters colors by next weekend

The 22 year old forward returned to PNG after being released by Super League club, Widnes Vikings on compassionate grounds this month.

Stanton’s brother, Wellington remains with the Vikings.

“We hope to get him on the playing field next weekend. That’s how soon we want him to get out there,” said Hunters coach, Michael Marum.

‘He’s excited to be back. He’s registered with the team for this year so he’s a Hunter for 2018. It’s good to have him back.”

CEO of the PNG Rugby Football League, Reatau Rau said it was great news.